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News for Restaurants in Santa Barbara
April 2012 Archive

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RESTAURANT NEWS

Openings

Peirano's Restaurant has opened in a historic space in downtown Ventura, formerly the home of Jonathan's at Peirano's restaurant, and originally Peirano's grocery store. Chef Robert Grenner's menu is an international free-for-all, with deconstructed lasagna listed alongside tuna tataki and berry empanadas. Peirano's Restaurant, 204 E. Main St., Ventura, CA 93001, 805-648-4853.
 

News Bytes

Inaugural Central Coast Oyster Festival at Morro Bay
The inaugural Central Coast Oyster Festival will showcase more than 25 food vendors and a host of regional wineries. Morro Bay Oyster Company will provide the succulent bivalves. A full-day event with live music, a shucking competition and more, the festival will benefit OPTIONS Family of Services, a local nonprofit. General admission in advance is $20 ($28 at the door); kids tickets are $10 (under 3 free). The event takes place from noon-8 p.m. at the Morro Bay Golf Course, 201 State Park Rd., Morro Bay, CA 93442. More information online at www.centralcoastoysterfestival.org.
 

Chef Shuffle

Chef-restaurateurs Matt and Jeff Nichols, formerly of Brothers Restaurant at Mattei's Tavern in Los Olivos, have opened an oddly named eatery just blocks away. Sides Hardware and Shoes (named for the store that once stood here) replaces Patrick's Side Street Café and embraces the town's country feel --- think servers in plaid shirts delivering biscuits and thick house-made bacon. Sides Hardware and Shoes, 2375 Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos, CA 93441, 805-688-4820.
 



Closings

CLOSED FOR GOOD
Take your taste buds on a walk down memory lane! Check out our exclusive closed restaurant database for Santa Barbara to virtually visit your favorite dining spots from the past. Aja, R.I.P.

The Local Cafe in midtown Ventura has been shuttered. Chef-owner Tim Kilcoyne will continue to operate The SideCar Restaurant, and plans to reopen the more casual cafe in a new location. The Local Cafe, 1751 E. Main St., Ventura, CA 93001, no phone.
 
Café Shell, formerly located in La Arcada Plaza, is now closed. Cafe Shell, 1112 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101, no phone.
 

CULINARY EVENTS
Want to
learn to cook? Try new dishes? Meet a foodie friend for fun? Check out our compilation of culinary events in your area.


View our calendar of Wine Dinners & Tastings in Santa Barbara

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BEYONCE INSPIRED LIBATIONS

Try these whiskey cocktails inspired by Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album.

Check the recipes.

BOURBON IN YOUR AIOLI

This cashew aioli recipe gets a kick with bourbon.

Get the recipe.

GAYOT'S RESTAURANT AWARDSOver the years, we have been electing restaurants to be on GAYOT's Yearly Restaurant Awards.

Check the list.